Kallis doubtful for Perth

South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis appears unlikely to play in the first Test against Australia, starting Friday at the WACA Ground in Perth.

Kallis is suffering from tennis elbow, the same complaint that sidelined star Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar for three months, and it is preventing him from lifting a bat or bowling.

Having also torn a tendon in the same elbow batting in the nets last week, Kallis has received cortisone treatment but Proteas physiotherapist Shane Jabaar is no more than hopeful the world's No.1 batsman will be fit.

"We still feel as if he has a chance to heal before the Test," Jabaar told The Courier-Mail. "He has improved 40 percent but we are looking at a lot more over the next few days."

"We will not take a chance. If he's not ready, he's not ready. I still give him a chance for this Test and I would like to think if he doesn't play he will just miss it," added Jabaar, who also admitted Kallis could aggravate the injury further if he does play.